Sport
31 May, 2026
Close calls on court between Saints and Bulls
ST ARNAUD B Grade has secured a hard-fought two-goal victory over Birchip-Watchem in a thrilling contest that went right down to the final whistle.
ST ARNAUD B Grade has secured a hard-fought two-goal victory over Birchip-Watchem in a thrilling contest that went right down to the final whistle.
The opening quarter saw both sides evenly matched, with the scores locked at 11-11 at quarter time.
St Arnaud began to find momentum in the second term, taking a narrow 23-19 lead into the main break thanks to strong teamwork and composed ball movement through the court.
Birchip responded strongly after halftime, edging ahead by a single goal at the final change, setting up a tense final quarter.
However, St Arnaud’s defensive end stood tall when it mattered most, producing several crucial intercepts that helped swing the momentum back in their favour.
Lovely passages of play down the court combined with precise passing into the goalers proved decisive as St Arnaud finished strongly to claim a victory in an entertaining and closely fought encounter.
O’Connors: India Griffith, St Arnaud Physio Centre- Ava Wilson
SAINTS C Grade played a spectacle game of great individual efforts within the whole team energy that kept them in a position to win the game until the fourth quarter.
Sienna C stood out in defence with multiple critical intercepts. Steph Smith provided excellent feeds to the goalers, where Imogen Amos gave quick movements in the goal ring to present many opportunities to score.
Chloe’s height was advantageous in the goal ring with most rebounds ending in a goal on the scoreboard. The third quarter break saw the Saints trailing by only 6 goals.
St Arnaud Sporting Club: Imogen Amos, Hendy Tyre: Steph Smith, St Arnaud Physio Centre: Sienna C
St Arnaud gave it their all but fell to Birchip in 17 and Under.
The Saints started well with some sharp intercepts by the defenders in Q1, trailing just 10-9, and continued to display strong passages of play in Q2.
In Q3, the movement in the ring by the shooters and the defence’s body-on-body pressure kept St Arnaud in the hunt, but Birchip gradually pulled away.
In the final term, the Saints’ attacking passes and shooting shone, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Petrie Mechanical: Eliza S, Bendigo Bank: Chloe S, St Arnaud Physio Centre: Mahli M
IT WAS a chilly morning in Birchip as the 14 and Under A St Arnaud girls wrestled in a tough and fast paced match.
The Bulls came out strong early, leading 15–6 at half time with accurate shooting and strong defensive pressure.
St Arnaud continued to fight hard throughout the game.
Defensive pressure lifted in the second half with players working tirelessly across the court to create turnovers and apply pressure to Birchip’s attacking line.
Captain Immy Watts led by example with determination and encouragement, while vice captain Maria Taylor worked hard through the midcourt to keep the team pushing until the final whistle.
Taylors auto electrical: Immy W, Weirs IGA- Georgie M, Canteen- Maria T
The U14B Saints delivered an impressive performance against Birchip-Watchem, showcasing excellent teamwork, communication, and defensive pressure throughout the match. The Bulls came out strongly in the opening quarter, applying tight defensive pressure that forced the Saints to work hard for every possession.
Despite the challenge, the Saints’ teamwork and smart ball movement proved effective, helping them establish an early lead at quarter time.
The second quarter saw Birchip continue to push hard in defence, but the Saints responded with strategic gameplay and composure under pressure.
The Saints lifted their intensity again in the third quarter with a cracking defensive effort that completely shut Birchip out of the scoring circle.
Strong pressure across the court and relentless determination helped the Saints build an impressive lead, finishing the third quarter ahead 29 goals to 4.
GK Evie Y stood out in the final quarter, putting enormous pressure on Birchip’s attackers.
SAINTS Go team demonstrated lots of improvement with their game play and enjoyed every moment with loads of smiles, goals and encouragement.
Tania Scarce Mars Bar: Olivia B
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